UNC football shakes off scare from App State in double overtime
CHAPEL HILL – UNC football can breathe a sigh of relief.
The 17th-ranked Tar Heels survived a scare from in-state rival App State in a 40-34 double overtime victory on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium.
UNC trailed 24-20 early in the fourth quarter before rallying behind a strong performance from running back Omarion Hampton, who had 234 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and timely plays from quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye had the go-ahead touchdown in the second overtime, but was stopped short on the ensuing two-point conversion. UNC's defense came up with a stop to seal the win.
The Mountaineers won in their last trip to Chapel Hill in 2019 before the Tar Heels got their revenge this weekend with a celebration as steady rain covered Kenan Stadium.
The victory snapped a six-game losing streak in overtime for the Tar Heels. Here’s what stood out in UNC’s second game of the 2023 season.
UNC football quarterback Drake Maye has quiet night against App State
Quarterback Drake Maye completed 9-of-12 passes for 43 yards in the first half against the Mountaineers defense, but had key conversions in the second half to keep the Tar Heels ahead. In the second overtime, Maye scored on a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Tar Heels ahead.
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UNC running back Omarion Hampton runs all over Mountaineers
App State’s defense had no answer for UNC running back Omarion Hampton, who had a career-long 68-yard touchdown run in the first half and 180 yards after three quarters. The Mountaineers struggled to bring down the 6-foot, 220-pound back. Hampton scored a touchdown in the first overtime for his fifth TD through two games.
App State hangs tough
In front of a fair amount of black-and-gold clad fans, App State stuck around into the fourth quarter and tied the game at 27 before UNC rallied for the victory. The Mountaineers dominated time of possession and mixed it up offensive with quarterback Joey Aguilar and running back Nate Noel leading the way.
Minnesota up next on UNC’s schedule
UNC will host Minnesota next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the first-ever meeting between the programs. The Golden Gophers started the 2023 season with a 13-10 victory against Nebraska.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC football avoids upset against App State with double overtime win
